Hello to both of you ! Reading your question and the answer - has helped me as well ! Thanks !

I was injuried on March 13th, 2005 ... got denied by SS - then denied by ALJ - then appealed to the SSD Review Board - who in turn sent my case back to the ALJ (said she didn't do her job and look at all the medical details) ~~ so I have another court date on June 19th ! After 4 years and 2 months -- I sure hope I get approved ! But like you said in your answer - when it is not an injury the ALJ can physically see - it is so hard to get approved !
My L1-was fractured and crushed , L4 & L5 & S1 are all herniated, ostreoprosis, and major depression (my whole life) ! Wish me Luck !